The Vallecito Lake Chamber is dedicated to supporting businesses and tourism in Vallecito, Colorado. Cave Basin Trail is a 10.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bayfield, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. Step off the lower side of the trail while they pass.Altitude Sickness - When hiking in higher elevations, it is easy to experience altitude sickness. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito campground. By taking the tour, you can view all 14 in person, and see all of the wonderful sights around the lake! For years, Nordic skiers have traveled to Vallecito Reservoir, about 20 miles northeast of Durango, to ski the 7 to 10 miles of Nordic trails on the east side of the lake. On the east side of Vallecito Lake at the Old Timers Campground, near the towns of Bayfield and Durango, there is a groomed ski trail available for you to use throughout the winter season, free of charge. BBQ area, flat-screen TV's, WiFi, and close National Forest access just outside your door. After.6 miles you enter the Weminuche wilderness. Much of this severe burning occurred directly surrounding Vallecito Lake. Take a picture with the carving, and use #tourofcarvings on social media! Heading to GMU 751 Vallecito Lake this week. 18044 CR 501 Bayfield CO, Located at Vallectio Lake (970) 884-7153 We're right by the Boat Ramp in the Southwest are of the Lake. In the winter a popular snowshoeing trail. The trail offers a number of activity options. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. There is a “Flowers from the Lake trails” brochure available at many local businesses to help you identify the wildflowers. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. Vallecito Reservoir Mountain Bike, Hike, Horse, Dirtbike, Snowmobile, Backcountry Ski trails near Durango, Colorado. The four-mile round trip hike gains 1,140 feet in elevation and takes approximately four hours. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. I am hiking into the wilderness to spike camp the first 4 days of the season, unless this storm calls for feet of snow … Or take Vallecito Creek trail and experience the same breathtaking views. Show respect by making your presence known. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/maps-pubs. Tuckerville Trail - EasyFollow directions to Cave Basin Trail and continue to the end of road 11 miles to an open area which was the mining town of Tuckerville. Mountain Bikes & ATV’s Fur trappers, gold miners, and homesteaders followed, and with the completion of Vallecito Lake, the tourists. Trail Courtesy - Be courteous to others when hiking. This trail is a point-to-point and can be combined with a variety of other trails in the Vallecito, Colorado area. The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. Make your own. There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. Most portions of this trail skirt the edge of Vallecito Lake. Length 10.2 miElevation gain 1899 ftRoute type Out & back The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. This area offers excellent views and photographic possibilities. Vallecito Lake is located just outside of Durango, Colorado. These 14 carvings are spread throughout the Vallecito Lake community. Trails are abundant ranging from those that follow the shoreline of Vallecito Lake to the Lake Eileen Trail (two miles uphill to a beautiful meadow and lily covered lake). For more information see the Vallecito Lake Map. Imagine laying a blanket out, opening a bottle of wine and emptying your picnic basket to prepare a wonderful lunch with a spectacular view. ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. Tuckerville Trails Located 18 miles from Durango, the community of Vallecito is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level. This is the first carving in the series of “Tour of Carvings” that bring you around the Vallecito Lake Community. Take another right onto CR 250, and then a left at the light onto Florida Road (CR 240). Turn left onto CR 501, and continue around Vallecito Reservoir until you see a desired starting point or sign for the Walk Path around the lake. If you would like actual trail maps you will need to get them from any number of map resellers or the USFS San Juan National Forest - http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/maps-pubs, -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Cave Basin Trail  - Most Difficult - map skills suggestedDrive up Middle Mountain Road (USFS Road # 724 - gravel) to the turn off at the ten mile marker. Pine River Trail  - Easy to Moderate The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. Rest appropriately and do not over exert yourself.Travel Time - In the Colorado Mountains, hiking conditions are most favorable from June to October, If you travel in the spring, snow may inhibit your trip. Trail Number #529; Allows Hiking Yes; Allows Dogs Leashed 18mi Yes 497ft; Allows Bikes No 18mi Yes 497ft; Allows Horses Yes; Allows Motorcycles No; Allows ATVs No; Allows OHVs >50” No; Allows Highway Vehicles No; Allows Nordic Skiing Yes 2.8mi Unknown 16mi; Allows Snowmobiles No 2.8mi Unknown 16mi; Allows Snowshoeing Yes; Surface Dirt Part of the Vallecito, Colorado area. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. In the summer it’s used to access campgrounds and summer trails. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. All we need is SNOW! No upcoming trailwork events are currently scheduled. There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. The trails have been cleared. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. Park on the east side of the road, the trailhead is on the west side. 3 trails Vallecito Lake also serves as an access point to the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness in all of Colorado. Many begin right off of paved roads while others are off of U.S. Forest Service gravel roads. The trail passes through aspen forests to the small, shallow lake covered by water lilies and surrounded by aspen trees. Our kitchens come fully set up for cooking, along with fresh clean towels for the bathrooms and full linens for the bedrooms. The Lake Trails: Easy. Vallecito Nordic Ski Club is a 100% volunteer-driven, community-supported, non-profit organization. Will I have a spot set up a small base camp or will I have to check the other camp grounds around the lake. You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. Explore the Area. A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. A short climb to the ridge gives you great views of the lake and forests. Keep in mind that July and August afternoon thunderstorms are common.First Aid - When hiking remember to bring a first aid kit. Horses are also able to use this trail. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Below you can read about local trails. Vallecito Creek borders one side of the campground and the whole area is quite beautiful and pristine. You will find the beginning of Vallecito Creek Trail at the Vallecito Creek campground, just a few miles past the North end of Vallecito Lake near the towns of Bayfield and Durango. Vallecito, Spanish for "Little Valley", and ancestral home to many of Colorado's Ute Indians, became the name of the sparkling waters of the lake it surrounded. Creek Trail - Easy to ModerateA stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Click on the pop out sidebar link to receive your copy. Use your map and compass skills to progress across the gray limestone benches, past meadows and sinkholes. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails - ModerateThese trails head up the ridges on the east side of Lake, following creeks with water falls to open meadows. The trail begins in the Vallecito campground; from the west side of Vallecito, on CR 501, pass through the community of Vallecito, and turn north on CR 500 and drive … Plan accordingly. Browse our inventory of clean, fully equipped Vallecito Lake Cabins and Vacation Homes. The Lake Trails - EasyMost portions of this trail skirt the edge of the Lake. ... Wildflowers are just a one of the many beautiful thing you will see on the numerous hiking trails around Vallecito. Cabin is set back in pine trees & short walk to beautiful Vallecito lake. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. Please consider financially contributing to help us continue to build and maintain great trails. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. The trail starts off wide and well defined but disappears after about 3 miles due to the gray limestone that forms benches. The Lake Trails: Easy. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. In the winter a popular snowshoeing trail. A trailhead sign is visible from the road. To adapt to the change in elevation, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water. The first foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a great day hike. Cave Basin Trail begins at an elevation of 10,800 ft. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Below you can read about local trails. Bring water, adhesive bandages, antiseptic, aspirin, eye wash, adhesive tape, insect repellent, sun screen, tweezers and lip balm.Tread Lightly - Pack out what you pack in. 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. Hiking There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. Leave the beauty of the land for others to enjoy. See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. Stop for a bite to eat, a mountainous selfie, and breathtaking views. Today, Vallecito Lake is a special place for both residents and visitors alike. To access the trail, take CR 501 north of the lake and look for the Forest Service Work Center; a trailhead sign is visible from the road. Plenty of outdoor activities. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. Can anyone tell me in the Vallecito Campground at the trail head into the wilderness is usually full for 3rd season? Located in a sheltered valley in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Vallecito is a … There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. In June and July of 2002, the Missionary Ridge fire burned over 70,000 acres in the Durango and Vallecito Lake area. In the winter snowshoeing is available. Sorry. Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours, Inc. offers the biggest selection of river rafting and jeep tours in Southwest Colorado, Eastern Utah and Central Arizona. Dog Friendly★Close Proximity To Vallecito Lake & Nearby Durango★Close to Trails - $251 avg/night - Bayfield - Amenities include: Internet, Pets Welcome, TV, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 3 Sleeps: 8 Pet friendly Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 1480202 with Vrbo. There are a total of 14 carvings spread around the Vallecito Lake Area for you to find and enjoy. You will be blown away at the lush valley floor and rugged peaks that surround you as you get deeper into the mountains. The trail base is the road that runs along the east side of the lake. In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the creek with fantastic vistas, then the trail drops down right beside the creek. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails. Watch for “Walk Path” signs as you drive around the Lake. Lake Eileen Trail - DifficultWatch for the Forest Service Work Center on CR 501 north of the lake, the trailhead is on opposite side of road. Pick the one that best sets your pace, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. Continue on CR 240 for 11.8 miles, then turn right to stay on CR 240 for 2.8 more miles. Turn right on 32nd Street (CR 251) and continue. Located just 25 minutes from Bayfield and less than 40 minutes from Durango, CO, our marina is the best way to enjoy Vallecito Lake - the premiere recreational lake in Southwest Colorado. 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